The benefits of labelling the I.U.: Vitamin A potency
Beta-carotene is the main source for vitamin A in the human body. The beta-carotene molecule appears into the trans- and cis-isomer. Trans beta-carotene can be transferred into cis beta-carotene by heating. Natural beta-carotene from Blakeslea trispora is nearly all-trans. Literature and research has shown that this all-trans beta-carotene has a maximum conversion rate into vitamin A. This potency, or pro-vitamin A activity, is expressed as International Units (I.U.). The activity of 1 I.U. is defined by the WHO for pro-vitamin A as the activity of 0.0006 mg of pure all-trans beta-carotene (1.666,666 I.U./gram pure product).
Not every beta-carotene has maximum I.U. levels
For the other pro-vitamin A carotenoids (like cis beta-carotene and alpha-carotene) the conversion rate to vitamin A is limited and still unknown. Research has shown that it is expected to be (approximately 50%) off all-trans beta-carotene. Therefore, 1 retinol equivalent (RE) is equal to 6 mg of all-trans beta-carotene or 12 mg of carotenoids with pro-vitamin A activity. For this reason, only the percentage of all-trans beta-carotene from algae and palm sources can be labelled with certainty in I.U. Natural beta-carotene from B. trispora, consisting mainly of all-trans beta-carotene, has the maximum I.U. level per gram of product amongst natural beta-carotenes available.
Mixed carotenoids
Natural beta-carotene from B. trispora has approximately 2-3% other carotenoids. Natural beta-carotene contains approximately 1% gamma-carotene, 0,5% beta-zeacarotene. 0.5% citroxanthin and 0.5% of approximately 10 other natural occurring carotenoids.
Dietary supplement
Natural beta-carotene from B. trispora is available as a 30% oil suspension, a 15% beadlet and 1% Cold Water Soluble. The oil-suspension combines the ideal particle size distribution with a very low viscosity. Therefore it is easy to handle in the production process of soft-gelatine capsules. The beadlets show a magnificent stability due to its resistance against extreme high pressures during tabletting. Moreover, the beadlets have the highest potency of natural beta-carotene available.
Natural product, No GMO
The production process of the natural beta-carotene is based on a natural source, uses natural raw materials and only food grade solvents. The production process comprises processing steps that can be regarded as being of a natural nature due to their long use in the production of foodstuffs and without the use of genetically modifed organisms.
Regulatory compliance
Because of its purity, Natural beta-carotene from B. trispora is in compliance with the FCC criteria as referred to in 21 CFR 184.1245. The product meets both the requirements for the assays specified as well as the criteria of the minimum content of 96% beta-carotene. This is unique for a natural beta-carotene. Besides, as a colorant natural beta-carotene from B. trispora meets the purity criteria from FDA (FCC and CFR), the Colour directive from the EU as well as the standards of the Japanese Food Sanitation Law.
